Public safety took center stage at the Mount Vernon City Council Work Session on March 24, 2024, with several key ordinances aimed at enhancing community safety and police operations. Among the most significant discussions was the proposal for the Gun Involved Violence Elimination Grant for 2024-2025, which seeks to secure funding from the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services. This initiative aims to bolster efforts against gun violence in the city.

Additionally, the council reviewed an ordinance to authorize the mayor to enter into a software agreement with SimCity Inc. for Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS) software over the next three years. This technology upgrade is expected to improve the efficiency of police operations.

Another critical item on the agenda was the authorization for a memorandum of understanding with Westchester County and neighboring cities for participation in the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program. This partnership will facilitate the purchase and installation of new Motorola radios, enhancing communication capabilities for law enforcement.

Concerns were raised regarding the funding strategy for the software agreement, particularly about the reliance on annual grant applications. Questions were also posed about potential discrepancies in the budget allocations for the radio purchases, indicating a need for clarity and possible amendments to ensure proper financial management.

The meeting also touched on broader financial matters, including a resolution to appoint members to the Mount Vernon Economic Development Task Force and discussions about upcoming audits for the city’s finances. These steps reflect ongoing efforts to improve governance and transparency in Mount Vernon.

As the council moves forward with these initiatives, the focus remains on enhancing public safety and ensuring effective resource management within the city.